Upstate New York's biggest rainwater harvest system being built at Binghamton University

Binghamton University is in the process of constructing the largest rainwater harvesting project in Upstate New York. The system is being built in conjunction with the University's Center of Excellence, and will recycle a whopping 200,000 gallons of rainwater. The water will be used for heating and cooling, toilet water and other non-drinking applications.

Set to open early 2013, the Center of Excellence has the potential of saving 1.5 million gallons of municipal water. Designed to be LEED gold, the rainwater harvesting system will be only one of the Center's strategies for efficiency.

For more information visit http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20110726/NEWS01/107260383/Binghamton-U-intends-gain-from-rain.

NYSERDA releases an RFP for research on existing clean technolgies

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority has released a Request for Proposals from those interested in analyzing the status and potential of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies within the state. The information will then be used to support program development efforts, aid the preparation of the 2013 State Energy Plan and help NYSERDA evaluate the cost-effectiveness of energy efficiency/ renewable energy technologies and programs. Additionally the findings will help State agencies identify energy efficiency and renewable energy resource options.

Proposals are due by 5pm on August 25, 2011.

To view the full RFP visit http://www.nyserda.org/funding/2326rfp.asp.

AMD, NYSERDA, HP and Clarkson University partner for clean technology progression

AMD, NYSERDA, HP and Clarkson University have aligned to research a solution to the challenge of channeling renewable energy directly to data centers, bypassing the electrical grid. AMD has identified the distributed computing model of their Cloud Computing Technology to parallel the distributed power-generation model of solar and wind energy and has the goal of co-locating such dynamic computing resources with dynamic energy sources to improve the economics, performance and environmental benefits of both.

NYSERDA has provided funding for the project which is composed of two phases, student data-management research at Clarkson University and the incorporation of hardware elements, including HP's Performance Optimized Datacenter, based on the AMD Opteron Processor, which was built for energy efficiency and cloud computing.

For more information visit http://virtualization.sys-con.com/node/1927749.

Governor Cuomo signs the Power NY Act!

Governor Cuomo has signed the Power NY Act of 2011, a groundbreaking piece of legislation that makes the permitting process for new energy plants more efficient/ environmentally conscious, and creates on-bill financing for measures taken in energy efficiency.

The legislation encourages investment in clean power plants, and creates measures in environmental protection and public-health. Such measures include legal funding for communities to participate in the permitting process, the creation of a siting board to calculate environmental impacts to be avoided/minimized by applicants and the promulgation of emission standards by the Department of Environmental Conservation. Also included in the act is an environmental justice provision that prevents low-income areas from bearing unjust levels of air-pollution.

The on-bill financing created by the act is the first of its kind in the nation. By allowing residents to finance energy retrofits on their utility bill, the program has the potential to significantly reduce New York's energy-use, while creating high-quality jobs.

For more information visit http://governor.ny.gov/press/08042011NYLegislation.

NYSERDA provides $2,225,000 for clean energy technology business development!

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority has released a PON for the Commercialization Option Program, which helps foster the growth of clean energy technology companies. The program has a total of $2,225,000 to be invested in business plan development, market research, sales forecasting, marketing and sales strategy development, supply chain and strategic partnership development and intellectual property analysis/protection.

NYSERDA will conduct a webinar on August 17th for those interested in participating. The first round of proposals are due September 19th.

To view the PON visit http://www.nyserda.org/funding/2251pon.asp.

National Grid's Small & Medium Business Direct Install Program on track to exceed year-end goals!

SmartWatt Energy, the sole Program Administrator and Implementation contractor for National Grid's Small & Medium Business Direct Install Program has announced that they have met their mid-year goals.  The program was created to help businesses increase their energy-efficiency, while helping New York meet it's goal of reducing electricity consumption by 15% over the next four years.  It gives eligible Central and Northern New York businesses  the opportunity to receive up to 70% in rebates and on-bill financing for measures taken in energy-efficiency.  Keeping up its current pace, SmartWatt Energy is on track to exceed the programs year-end goal of 60,000 MWH in savings.

Business customers that use an average of 100 Kilowatts or less per month qualify for the Small & Medium Business Direct Install Program.

To participate in the program visit http://www.nationalgridus.com/niagaramohawk/business/energyeff/3_small.asp.

Bloomberg makes a monumental donation to fight coal and empoyer youth!

New York City Mayor, Michael Bloomberg has made a bold move in the fight against climate change and the protection of public health. Bloomberg has given the Sierra Club $50 million for their Beyond Coal campaign, a donation that has the potential to drastically change our nation's energy future.

Beyond Coal is a grassroots campaign run by our nations youth to prevent the construction of new coal-fired power plants.  Beyond Coal has been instrumental in preventing more than 150 plants from being built.  Bloomberg’s donation has provided the group with a third of their proposed four-year budget and will allow the group to act on their next goal of shutting down a third of our country’s old coal-fired plants over the next ten years.  The donation is expected to create 100 full-time jobs with the campaign and increase the Sierra Club's active member/ supporter base by 1 million.

For more information visit http://uk.ibtimes.com/articles/20110727/bloomberg-donates-million-shut-down-coal-plants.htm.

Ioxus opens new manufacturting plant in Oneonta

Ioxus Inc., the only manufacturer of ultracapacitors in the United States has opened a manufacturing plant in Oneonta. Ultracapacitors are similar to a battery in the sense that they store energy but charge in less than a minute and have a ten year life span. With the ability to charge quickly, ultracapacitors are employed to store renewable energy and have been used in hybrid vehicles to increase efficiency. When connected to alkaloid batteries ultra capacitors have been shown to match the performance of the more expensive, earth-taxing lithium-ion batteries.

The production of ultracapacitors is a labor intensive endeavor. The plant has created 30 new jobs in the region and expects to hire an additional 30-40 employees over the next year as production increases. The new plant is expected to increase productivity 5 fold, furthering its edge on foreign competition.

For more information visit http://www.wbng.com/news/local/Only-US-Ultracapacitor-Manufacturer-Opens-New-Oneonta-Facility-125990298.html.

Beacon Power's Flywheel Energy Storage Plant has reached full capacity!

With 200 flywheels spinning, Beacon Power's flywheel energy storage plant in Stephentown, New York has reached full capacity! Storing and returning a total of 20MW to the grid, the plant is the largest of its kind in North America and provides New York with 10% of its overall frequency regulation needs. The plant is a positive step towards meeting NYSERDA's ambitious goal of meeting 45% of the states electricity needs through energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Flywheel energy storage works by converting power from the grid to rotational energy by spinning carbon fiber flywheels at Mach 2 speeds, the energy is then transmitted back to the grid to buffer disturbances without burning fossil fuels.

For more information visit http://investors.beaconpower.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=587705.

Study shows Syracuse to be a national clean economy leader!

The Syracuse Region has been ranked 8th in the nation for having the highest concentration of private-sector clean jobs! The ranking comes from a recent report from the Brookings Institution Metropolitan Policy Program, titled "Sizing the Clean Economy: A National and Regional Green Jobs Assessment". As the first comprehensive study of the metropolitan geography of our nation's clean economy, the findings publicize what has already been known in the region.


Syracuse is identified as having unique strengths in the indoor air quality, air/water purification systems, environmental remediation, environmental engineering, and green building materials segments. The study reports that the Syracuse Region has 10,000 jobs in the clean economy sector, 1,400 of which have been added over the past seven years. Such growth is attributed to the regions world-class colleges/universities, the Syracuse Center of Excellence, public support, incentives and CenterState CEO programs.

For more information visit http://www.centerstateceo.com/news/newsarticledisplay.aspx?ArticleID=100.

NYSERDA seeks proposals for sustainable public transportation

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority has partnered with the New York State Department of Transportation to provide $1,500,000 for the advancement of livable communities through sustainable transportation. The organizations are seeking proposals to reduce the energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions of New York State's current multi-modal transport system.

Proposals are due September 7th, 2011 by 5pm.

To learn more about the solicitation visit http://www.nyserda.org/funding/2314pon.asp.

NYSERDA seeks proposals for innovative transportation products, systems and services

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has released a Program Opportunity Notice seeking proposals to support the development, demonstration and commercialization of innovative transportation products, systems and services.  Examples of such topics include, but are not limited to electric vehicles, alternative fuels, regenerative energy systems, engine/drivetrain efficiency improvements, bio-materials, emission control systems, traffic control/ congestion mitigation, and more efficient street lighting.  NYSERDA is rewarding a total of $3,500,000 to proposals touting the most energy, environmental and economic benefits.

Proposals are due September 8th, 2011 at 5pm.

For more information about the solicitation visit http://www.nyserda.org/funding/2271pon.asp.

Acciona Energy boasts high economic opportunities for the St. Lawrence Wind Farm

Acciona Energy, the developers of the proposed St. Lawrence Wind Farm in Cape Vincent, have released a report outlining the projects vast economic opportunities. The report comes after a Cape Vincent Wind Economic Impact Committee report claiming the project would negatively effect the local school district, tourism and property values. The 76.5 MW project is expected to pay $20 million in lease payments to landowners and $20 million in tax revenues. The project is expected to create 150 temporary jobs in its construction as well as 10 long-term positions.

Acciona Energy's report analyzes the economic benefits of other wind farms within the state and shows a drastic increase in property values as well as an increase household income. In addition to local sourcing of materials, Acciona Energy has promised to invest $143,000 to improve historic sites in Cape Vincent and Lyme, New York.

To learn more about the expected economic benefits of the project visit http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20110706/NEWS03/307069973/-1/news.

DEC releases report on hydraulic fracturing

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has released an extensive report to Governor Cuomo outlining rules and regulations to lessen the risks of the controversial natural gas drilling technique, hydraulic fracturing. The 1,000 page report takes measures to avoid the contamination of groundwater commonly associated with the drilling method.

The report prohibits drilling 2,000 feet from public drinking water supplies and 500 feet from private water supplies. As the most profitable Marcellus shale deposits are located in the Catskill Mountains and Southern Tier the DEC has banned drilling in the New York City and Syracuse watersheds. The report also takes measures to regulate drilling practices, included adding another cement wall casing inside the hole and forcing drilling companies to disclose all chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing.

Before issuing any permits to drill for natural gas, the Department of Environmental Conservation will open the report for a 60-day public comment period in August.

I invite you to read the report here and participate in the public comment period in the coming months.

DEC creates advisory panel to oversee hyrdaulic fracturing

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has formed an advisory panel to oversee hydraulic fracturing operations in New York. The 12-member panel will ensure that state agencies, including the DEC, are able to oversee, monitor and enforce high-volume hydraulic fracturing activities.  Composed of representatives from environmental and business interests, the panel will also evaluate fees and revenues.

For more information, including a full list of panel members visit http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2011/07/ny_creates_12-member_advisory.html.

Governor Cuomo refocuses on closing Indian Point

After victories with the state budget and gay marriage, Governor Cuomo is refocusing his attention on closing the Indian Point Nuclear plant in Buchanan, New York. The plant is located 38 miles north of New York City and sits on top of the Ramapo Fault line and is one mile south of the Stamford-Peekskill fault. The meltdown of Japan's Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant after the Tōhoku earthquake has elevated concerns about the health and safety of the 20 million New Yorkers who live within 50 square miles of the plant.

If closed, the state would face the challenge of replacing the 2,000 MW of electricity currently produced at Indian Point. The state sees the proposed 1,000 MW transmission line under the Hudson River from Canada as an opportunity to replace half the energy lost from the plants closure.

Governor Cuomo's initiative to shut down Indian Point will likely be a hard fight as The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have the majority of say regarding the plants operations. The Governor and a record number of concerned New Yorkers have been challenging the NRC in renewing the plants license to operate. If successful, Indian Point would be the first of its kind to be denied a 20-year license extension. With that said, the governor is far from powerless.  He is currently making Entergy Nuclear (the plant owners) build cooling towers to reduce their water consumption by 95%.

For more information click here.

New York City architectural design firm developes an innovative bicycle storage solution

New York City based Architectural design firm, MANIFESTO is in the process of developing a revolutionary bicycle storage system for the cities of Seoul and London. The storage system, named the Bike Hanger, is a suspended structure similar to a Ferris-wheel that is attached the side of a building. Designed to fit 20-36 bicycles, the Bike Hanger is an innovative solution to free space in dense urban areas, provide security and promote cycling as an effective mode of transportation. The Bike Hanger is powered by the kinetic energy produced by a stationary bicycle below the structure.

For more information visit http://www.mfarch.com/project%20pages/bike%20hanger/bikehanger.html.

New York City recognized for its green markets

In the recent Green Building Opportunity Index, which ranks markets on a variety of factors that promote sustainable development, three Manhattan commercial districts have been placed in the top 10.  The index, published by Cushman & Wakefield, ranked midtown second, midtown south fourth and downtown seventh.

Cushman & Wakefield attribute New York's prevalence in the top 10 to initiatives taken by the city and state. One such initiative is the Greener, Greater Buildings Plan, which requires the owners of properties larger than 50,000 square feet to benchmark their energy and water usage against 2010. Along with public initiatives, the private sector has identified green projects to be enormous economic opportunities.

For more information visit http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20110624/REAL_ESTATE/110629914.

Alteris Renewables to merge with Real Goods Solar

Alteris Renewables, one of the largest design-build solar integration companies in the Northeast is undergoing a merger with Real Goods Solar, the leading solar integrator in Colorado and California. The merger will result in a solar integration powerhouse with a coast-to-coast reach.  Real Goods Solar has offered Alteris equity holders 8 million unregistered shares of its class A common stock (approx. $20 million) for the entirety of Alteris' outstanding equity.  The merger is currently pending approval from Real Goods Solar's stakeholders.

With each company boasting 30 years experience in solar energy installation, the merger has the potential to set the company as the nations leading solar integrator.

For more information on the merger visit http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2011/06/solar-merger-real-goods-to-snap-up-alteris.

The EPA's Clean Air Transport Rule

The EPA has developed a package of clean air measures that will have a dramatic impact on the health and vitality of the Adirondack Park in upstate New York. The measures, titled The Clean Air Transport Rule, require power plants in 31 states to reduce their sulfur dioxide emission levels by 71% and their nitrogen oxide levels by 52% (below 2005 levels) by 2013. With more than half of such particulates from Midwest power plants carried to the Adirondacks by prevailing winds, the reductions have the potential to make the chronic acidulation of Adirondack Lakes a thing of the past.

For Adirondackers, The Clean Air Transport Rule brings a sigh of relief. Acid rain and smog carried to the Adirondacks from the Midwestern United States has decimated wildlife populations, reduced tree populations due to soil calcification and have made fish unfit for consumption by natural predators.

For more information on the Clean Air Transport Rule visit http://www.epa.gov/airquality/transport/basic.html.

The ScienceCenter at SUNY Oswego

With construction of SUNY Oswego's new ScienceCenter underway, the University is setting the bar high for sustainability initiatives taken by public institutions. The ScienceCenter is designed to be LEED Gold and incorporates the largest geothermal heating/cooling system in New York State. The system is composed of 240 holes, drilled to a depth of 499 feet where there is a constant temperature of 56 degrees Fahrenheit. Water will be pumped through the holes and heat exchangers will be affixed for summer cooling and winter heating.

In addition to the geothermal system the ScienceCenter will have a terra cotta exterior material made from recycled materials, the exterior will utilize natural light, and alternative energies will be employed. The building will serve as a living laboratory where students can learn about the buildings technology and is even planned to house a planetarium.

SUNY Oswego's renovation is estimated to create 350 construction jobs over the next 5 years.

For more information visit http://www.oswego.edu/about/centers/obcr/campusrenovation.html.

The New York State Senate passes the Power NY Act!

In an attempt to secure New York's energy future, the New York State Senate has passed the Power NY Act.  To achieve such an objective, the bill reauthorizes and modernizes the licensing process for electric generating facilities, provides consumer incentives for investments in energy efficiency and explores the potential for solar power generation in New York State.

Included in the Power NY Act is On-Bill financing, a consumer incentive program that has been widely supported. On-Bill financing allows homeowners to pay energy efficiency measures over an extended period of time on their utility bills. Along with placing energy efficiency measures in closer reach to a diverse demographic, contractors are expanding their workforce to meet the expected demand. As a result of the bill Damian Hodkinson, Co-Owner of True Energy Solutions in Rochester, New York has expressed the intention to hire 25-30% more employees over the next 2-4 months.

For more information visit http://www.prlog.org/11554876-rochester-based-true-energy-solutions-expects-to-add-jobs-as-on-bill-financing-legislation-passes.html.

Marble River Wind Farm to install the largest wind turbines in the state

After a vote by the state Public Service Commission, the Marble River Wind Farm has been cleared to install the largest turbines in New York State. The new 3-megawatt turbines tower 492 feet and are designed to be more efficient than their smaller, 2.1-megawatt counterparts.

The Marble River Wind Farm is located in the Clinton and Ellenburg, New York and is owned by Horizon Wind Energy LLC, the subsidiary of EPD Renovaveis SA.

For more information visit http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20110619/NEWS05/306199980.

NYS Thruway Authority in the preliminary design stage of a wind energy project

The New York State Thruway is in line for an economic, aesthetic and environmental makeover in the coming years. The Thruway Authority has sent letters to multiple communities along I-90 with the intention to install as many as 5 wind turbines along the route. Although the project is still in the design phase, the Public Information Officer at the NYS Thruway Authority, Betsy Feldstein has indicated the prospective locations of the turbines to be the Dunkirk Interchange (exit 59), the Eden/Angola Interchange (exit 57A), the Silver Creek Interchange (exit 58), the Ripley Toll Barrier and Westfield Maintenance Facility (exit 50).

The Thruway Authority is using Clough, Harbor and Associates as project engineers and will release a press release during later stages of the project.

For more information visit http://observertoday.com/page/content.detail/id/560497/Windmill-construction-possible-by-Thruway.html?nav=5047.

MicroGen Systems and Infinite Power create a complete wireless power board

At the recent Sensors Expo and Tradeshow 2011, MicroGen Systems, Inc. demonstrated the worlds first commercial MicroElectroMechanical System (MEMS)-based Piezoelectric Vibrational Energy Harvester (PZEH) which operates at low relevant frequency and acceleration levels. MicroGen, a CleanTech Center portfolio company headquartered in Ithaca, New York, demonstrated it's BOLT 060 model PVEH, which vibrates at a frequency of 60Hz and an acceleration amplitude of 0.7 g. The BOLT 060 produces up to 200 microWatts and is composed of an extremely small silicon chip. How small you ask? Each silicon chip is 1 centimeter squared or smaller!

MicroGen has teamed up with Infinite Power Solutions, a Littleton Colorado producer of thin-film micro-energy storage cells to produce a complete wireless sensor board. Infinite Power Solution's IPS-EVAL-EH-01 is a universal energy harvesting evaluation kit that accepts energy from a wide array of energy harvesting transducers and stores the energy in a micro-energy storage cell the size of a postage stamp with virtually no energy lost. With the technologies combined, the companies have created a reliable vibration harvesting power supply solution that can operate for decades without the need for maintenance.

To learn more about MicroGen visit http://www.microgensystems.com/.
To learn more about Infinite Power Solutions visit http://www.infinitepowersolutions.com/.

Fulton Thermal Corp. exands NYS operations

Fulton Thermal Corp., an international boiler/heater manufacturer headquartered in Richland, New York, is in the process of expanding its New York operations. The company is adding a 112,000 foot addition to its plant outside of Pulaski. The new space is estimated to create 50 high quality jobs within the state.

Fulton Thermal Corp. is currently seeking assembly people, welders, engineers, an accountant and a recruiter.

To learn more about Fulton Thermal Corp. visit http://www.fulton.com/.

Linc to host two solid-state lighting workshops

The Lighting Cultivator (Linc), a nonprofit corporation with a mission to create a vibrant network of sustainable lighting businesses in New York, is hosting two workshops to educate the private/public sector about solid state lighting. The workshops will focus on the latest solid-state lighting technology, NYSERDA funding opportunities and will provide an opportunity to network with lighting/ energy-efficiency stakeholders in New York State.  The workshop will be held in New York City on July 6th and in Syracuse on July 19th.

Due to space limitations, registration is required for the workshops and can be completed virtually at http://lincnyc.eventbrite.com and http://lincsyracuse.eventbrite.com/.

EPD Renovaveis SA secures contract to sell RECs

EPD Renovaveis SA, the owner of Horizon Wind Energy LLC, has secured a contract from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and the Public Service Commission to sell the 45 MW worth of renewable energy credits (RECs) from the Marble River Wind Farm Project. The Marble River Wind Farm is located in Clinton and Ellenburg, New York and has a capacity of 216 MW. The contract runs for 10 years and is expected to start in 2012.

The REC contract is not the first of its kind for the Marble River Wind Farm. In April 2010 EPD Renovaveis SA, secured a contract to sell 171 MW worth of RECs.

For more information visit http://www.istockanalyst.com/business/news/5207787/edp-secures-contract-from-nyserda-to-sell-recs-from-marble-river-wind-farm.

17 renewable energy projects receive state funding

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the New York State Public Service Commission have awarded $191 million to 17 renewable energy projects throughout the state.  The funding, which comes from New York's 30% by 2015 renewable portfolio standard, is expected to produce $500 million over the next 20 years and annually produce 1,000,000 MWh of renewable energy.

The projects receiving funding include 4 wind projects, 4 hydroelectric projects, 7 landfill gas-to electricity projects and 2 anaerobic digester projects.

For more information refer to http://nawindpower.com/e107_plugins/content/content.php?content.8017.

Brownfield remediation and reuse grants awarded to three New York Communities

The United States Environmental Protection Agency has granted Rochester, Rome and Niagara County a total of $1.2 million in funding for brownfield remediation and reuse.  The funding comes from the EPA's Brownfields Program which aims to redevelop an estimated 450,000 waste sites throughout the state.

Rochester has received a total of $600,000 to clean four ex-industrial sites as well as assess the pollutant content of other contaminated sites throughout the city.

Rome has received $200,000 to clean/convert the former Nolan Manufacturing Building, which is heavily contaminated by hazardous polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).  The city of Rome plans on using the property as either a manufacturing site for clean technology/arts or as a commercial-residential live-work space.

Niagara County has received $400,000 to assess the county's 355 brownfield sites.

For more information visit http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/.

NYS Energy Planning Board seeks public input

In an effort to update the New York State Energy Plan, The New York State Energy Planning Board is seeking public input on draft regulations for the upcoming 2013 plan. The Energy Planning Board is accepting comments through July 11, 2011.


To access the draft regulations as well as an online comment form visit http://www.nysenergyplan.com/regulations.aspx.

The College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering recieves grant from National Grid

National Grid has granted the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering at SUNY Albany $225,000 to help fund a solar demonstration initiative. The solar initiative will employ rooftop solar panels on the University, generating power for the grid, and providing researchers with the information necessary to increase the deployment of solar technology throughout the state.

The grant shows National Grid's appreciation for the state of New York. With 11,000 employees in New York State, the London based utility company employs more people in New York than it does in the United Kingdom. New York also provides the company with 60 cents of every dollar they collect in rates.

For more information visit http://www.timesunion.com/business/article/National-Grid-makes-solar-donation-1407680.php.

Ultralife selects WindTamer for its energy storage system demonstration project

Arista Power's WindTamer wind turbine has been selected by the Ultralife Corporation to be the wind component for a 1 megawatt-hour energy storage system demonstration project at Ultralife's corporate campus in Newark, New York. The demonstration project is funded by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and will integrate lithium ion batteries, ultra capacitors, wind and solar technologies. Ultralife's system is designed to provide energy utilities and renewable energy generators with an intelligent way to manage energy for consumption or storage.

The WindTamer uses diffuser augmented wind turbine technologies to maximize energy production while reducing the noise/vibration associated with the operation of traditional horizontal axis wind turbines.

For more information visit http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/windtamer-selected-to-participate-in-nyserda-funded-large-scale-renewable-energy-storage-system-prototype-121992673.html.

NYSERDA seeks proposals for deep energy retrofit solutions

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has released a program opportunity notice (PON) for teams composed of building material manufacturers, building science professionals and building contractors to develop, investigate and implement design strategies to provide deep energy retrofit solutions to existing residential building envelopes.  NYSERDA is seeking a strategy that provides an exterior air barrier, has insulating properties, addresses window and door opening details, accepts or includes a finished cladding material and be capable of being fastened to the exterior of a residential building.  

The proposals, which are due by July 13, will be selected on the applicant's ability to illustrate their team's understanding of the problem, suggest solutions and provide detailed descriptions of how field trials will be conducted.

For more information about the notice, including application instructions visit http://www.nyserda.org/funding/2254pon.asp.

Gotham Gazette aims to bring attention to PlaNYC2030

Four years after the ambitious release of New York City's ambitious long-term sustainability plan, PlanNYC2030, the public has seemed to have lost interest. After last month's release of the four-year progress report, the media has reported on very little of the plans content.

Troubled by the lack of media coverage, Hunter College and the Gotham Gazette has teamed up to provide the public with information about the plan. The new service, titled the Sustainability Watch, will compile articles written by climate activists, policy experts and scholars. The Sustainability Watch will appear in the Gotham Gazette in the coming weeks.

The Gotham Gazette can be accessed online here.

A group of SU students win first place at the New York State Business Plan Competition

A group of students from Syracuse University won first place in the New York State Business Plan Competition at the University of Albany's College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering.

The students have developed the company "Helios" to commercialize an ultraviolet engineering technology to be used for the sterilization of medical tools/equipment. The competition provided Helios with a total of $50,000 to bring their technology to the market.

Helios was not the only group of Syracuse University students to win the competition. Broodr.com, an aggregated marketplace for unique products, designs and inventions, walked away from the competition with $10,000 in funding.

For more information, including other winners visit http://blog.timesunion.com/business/su-students-win-biz-plan-competition-at-nanocollege/23541/.

NYSERDA aids SUNY ESF in the establishment of a new research, development and testing center

NYSERDA and SUNY ESF have announced the establishment of a new research, development and industrial testing center to make manufacturing processes in New York State more energy efficient, environmentally friendly and economical.

The facility, named The Ultraviolet Light (UV) and Electron Beam (EB) Process Curing Systems Technology Center, will be located on SUNY ESF’s campus. The center will help develop formulas to  reduce the harmful emissions associated with the manufacture/application of inks, paints and coatings. The facility will also aid in the development of resin binders used in the fabrication of composites such as fiberglass.


For more information visit http://www.esf.edu/communications/view.asp?newsID=924.

SUNY Potsdam recognized for their efforts in sustainabily

SUNY Potsdam has been recognized for their ongoing efforts in environmental sustainability in the recently released "Princeton Review's Guide to 311 Green Colleges: 2011 edition". The University's sustainability and operations coordinator, Richard Mattimore, attributes the ranking to a variety of initiatives taken by Potsdam Auxiliary and College Educational Services.

Potsdam's food service, PACES, supports local farmers while reducing carbon emissions by purchasing more than $300,000 worth of local produce. In addition, PACES converts all of its used fry oil to biodiesel fuel, composts, recycles and has introduced reusable food containers in its dining halls.

Mr. Mattimore gives additional credit to the University's student environmental club, the Middle Ground, for their efforts in educating the community about environmental problems.

For more information visit http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20110503/NEWS05/305039995.

NYSERDA invests $20 million for 19 combined heat and power projects

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has announced that they will invest $20 million in 19 combined heat and power generation projects throughout the state. Combined heat and power, also known as co-generation, is a method of combusting fuel on-site for energy generation while utilizing excess exhaust for heating. The $20 million will provide customers with up to 50% (or $2 million) of the total costs involved with buying/installing combined heat and power and is expected to leverage $68 million in private investments.

The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse is among the 19 recipients and has received $963,000 for a 275 kW biomass turbine as well as a 195 kW gas-fired engine.

For more information (including a complete list of recipients) visit http://www.nyserda.org/Press_Releases/2011/PressReleas20110421.asp.

NYSERDA extends the popular Customer-Sited Wind Turbine Incentive Program

After receiving a record number of applications, The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has added an additional $1.4 million to the Customer-Sited Wind Turbine Incentive Program. In addition to the new funds, NYSERDA has announced a 6 month extension to the program.

The Customer-Sited Wind Turbine Incentive Program provides qualified property owners with approximately 30% of costs associated wind the purchase and installation of wind turbines. Since its origins in 2008, the program has provided $3.6 million in incentives, leveraging an additional $5.2 million in private investment. To date, all of the turbines installed to date generate more than 1.7 megawatt-hours annually, saving participants more than $240,000 in energy costs each year.

To find out if your area has sufficient wind speeds for an on-site turbine refer to NYSERDA’s interactive “New York State Small windExplorer” map at http://nyswe.awstruepower.com/.

For more information on the program visit http://www.nyserda.org/funding/2097pon.asp.